The benefits of mushroom supplements have been known for thousands of years. In fact, in September of 1991 a 5,300-year-old mummy in the Tyrolean Alps, and his medicine kit contained Piptoporus betulinus; a mushroom he probably used as a natural worm-killer and laxative.[1] Edible mushroom extracts, especially those used in Chinese and Japanese natural medicines, are a rich source of naturally occurring polysaccharides with research showing that they directly support immune health and offer additional benefits as well. Because of the mushroom supplement benefits, these products have become extremely popular.
What Are Mushroom Supplements?
Mushrooms are neither plants nor animals. They constitute their own kingdom: the Fungi. Mushrooms are a lot like plants, but they lack chlorophyll and must take nutrients from other materials. A mushroom is the fleshy, umbrella-shaped fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above ground, on soil, or on its food source. A mushroom supplement may consist of dried powder of the fruiting body, or of the underground network of thread-like structures known as the mycelium, or as extracts of the above. Typically, there tends to be more published research on mushroom extract benefits. In addition to modern scientific research, most health-promoting mushrooms have an extensive history of use dating back thousands of years. Common delivery forms for these mushrooms include capsules, tablets, tinctures, powders, teas and functional foods
Types of Mushroom Supplements
Among the most popular types of health-promoting mushrooms include these six: reishi, Lion’s mane, shiitake, Agaricus blazei, Cordyceps, and maitake.
Various benefits include immunomodulation, support for healthy triglyceride and cholesterol levels already within a normal range, joint health, cognitive function, promoting insulin sensitivity and supporting healthy insulin levels already within a normal range, enhancement for male sexual health, energy, liver health, providing antioxidant effects, healthy blood glucose levels already in a normal range, as well as ovarian and menstrual health in women.
Reishi Mushroom Supplements
Ganoderma lucidum, commonly known as reishi, has a long history in folk medicine, but researchers are just beginning to isolate and identify bioactive constituents.
Active constituents from reishi mushrooms are primarily polysaccharides including beta-glucans and triterpenes.[2] [3] [4]
There are several reishi mushroom benefits. The constituents of this mushroom seem to have a variety of effects including antioxidant, immune modulating, and cardiovascular effects.[5]
Reishi mushroom polysaccharides, such as beta-glucan, stimulate cytokine production from immune cells known as macrophages and T-lymphocytes[6] [7]. Research in humans has demonstrated a marked impact on immune health[8], an ability to support healthy blood pressure already within a normal range[9] [10], as well as promoting healthy triglyceride and cholesterol levels already within a normal range[11].
Other human research has shown that reishi and san miao san (a combination of Atractylodes & Phellodendron) also had benefits for joint health.[12] Popular delivery forms for reishi include capsules, powders, and teas.
Lion’s Mane
Hericium erinaceus, aka Lion’s mane, has been recognized as a health-promoting mushroom since ancient times and is rich in various compounds, including hericenones.
Lion’s mane mushroom benefits have been shown in human clinical research[13] demonstrating that supplementation helped improve and maintain cognitive functions. Similar research[14] also showed that Lion’s mane helped improve cognitive function. Furthermore, human research[15] has demonstrated that Lion’s mane helps promote a healthy mood. Additionally, Health Canada has recognized Lion’s mane for its immune support properties, as well as its antioxidant properties.[16]
Shiitake
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is a mushroom that has been used as a food and traditional medicine for thousands of years[17], and is currently used for promoting healthy immune function[18] [19] [20], healthy liver function[21], and has been validated in scientific literature for these purposes.
These data were sufficiently promising to inspire the development of a novel shiitake-based compound called AHCC, a unique cultured extract derived from the cell wall of the Shiitake mushroom mycelia, rich in several polysaccharides including alpha-glucans fractions as well as amino acids, lipids, and minerals. Oligosaccharides make up about 74% of AHCC.[22]
AHCC is thought to act as a biological response modifier and is supported by more than 30 human clinical studies and 50+ papers in PubMed-indexed journals. In short, AHCC has demonstrated clinical promise in promoting a healthy immune response.[23] Various types of immune cells were also significantly increased with AHCC, including the activity of natural killer (NK) cells.[24] Popular delivery forms for shiitake/AHCC include powders, capsules and tinctures.
Agaricus blazei
First discovered in Florida, USA in 1944, Agaricus blazei’s main natural habitat is the mountainous district of Piedade in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It was suggested that the high rate of good health in the adult population in that region was a result of the people using A. blazei as a part of their regular diet. The mushroom was brought to Japan in 1965. A cultivation process was established in 1978, and since then this mushroom has been well-evaluated in terms of biochemical and health-promoting properties.[25]
Animal research demonstrated that extracts of Agaricus mushroom, especially beta-glucan extracts, had immunostimulant effects.[26] [27] [28] [29] [30] In vitro and animal research suggest that it enhances the production of cytokines such as interferon and interleukin.[31] [32] Additionally, fractions of Agaricus stimulate monocyte production of interleukin-12.[33] In human research, Agaricus was found to promote insulin sensitivity and support healthy insulin levels already within a normal range.[34]
Other human research showed that an Agaricus mushroom extract supported healthy liver function[35].
Cordyceps
Cordyceps sinensis, also sometimes known as winter worm, is a fungus found on the high plateaus of western China. Cordyceps’ Mandarin name, dong chong xia cao, literally means “winter bug, summer herb.” This moniker accurately describes the summertime growth of a fungus over the remains of a worm.
This process was discovered 1,500 years ago when Tibetan herdsman found that their yaks were much livelier after eating this worm-mushroom from mountain pastures. Eventually, Cordyceps found its way into the hands of the emperor’s physicians who considered it to have tonic or ginseng-like properties.[36]
There are some clinical trials supporting the efficacy of Cordyceps, particularly for liver, kidney, and immune health. Several studies suggest that Cordyceps may help enhance immune health, male sexual health, energy, liver health, and provide antioxidant effects.[37]
In 1993, female Chinese runners broke world records during competitions. It is thought that their consumption of Cordyceps played a role in these remarkable achievements[38].
Maitake
Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is a mushroom that is famous for its taste and health benefits. It is also known as the “dancing mushroom”; since legend holds that those who found it began dancing with joy.[39]
Maitake has been used historically as a tonic and adaptogen; that is a substance that invigorates/strengthens the system and helps it adapt to stress. Along with other health-promoting mushrooms, such as shiitake and reishi, maitake is used as a food to help promote wellness and vitality. Maitake has immunostimulant effects and activates important immune components including natural killer cells, cytotoxic T-cells, interleukin-1, and superoxide anions.
Maitake contains the polysaccharide beta-glucan and has been shown to possess immune-promoting activity. The D-fraction of beta-glucan appears to be the most active and potent form. This polysaccharide has a unique structure and is among the most powerful studied in-vitro to date,[40] providing immunomodulatory properties. Human case studies have shown that maitake mushroom polysaccharides promoted healthy blood glucose levels already in a normal range.[41]
In addition, maitake has been shown to help support ovarian and menstrual health in women.[42] In unrelated research, thirty-two overweight subjects were given 10 grams of maitake powder for two months. Without changing their diets, all subjects lost an average of 12 pounds.[43]
Navigating the Market Trends in the Mushroom Supplement Industry
The global mushroom market size is estimated at $32.41 billion for 2024 and is projected to grow to $48.59 billion by 2029 with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.44%.[44] The rise of health-promoting mushrooms within the United States, indicates a prevalent trend where these ingredients are being integrated into beverages like coffee, cocoa, and even in soups and broths, enhancing nutritional/health value and taste. Geographically, the Asia Pacific region commands the largest market share, with North America showing the greatest growth.
This growth has resulted in people requesting supplements derived from mushrooms. It increases the applicability of these mushrooms in the food and beverage sector. The application of these mushrooms as functional ingredients in the supplement industry is driving the market’s growth, as functional mushrooms are being increasingly incorporated into health and wellness products. As previously noted, scientific studies have confirmed the ability of health-promoting mushrooms to increase the effectiveness of both innate and adaptive immune systems, hence boosting the category’s growth.
How to Choose the Best Mushroom for Your Supplement
In choosing the best mushroom(s) for your supplement, there are a few considerations.
First, you need to determine the types of claims you want for your supplement. Is it for immune health, cognitive health, cardiovascular health, or something else? That alone will help you narrow down the possibilities.
Also, you’ll want to make sure that you are using a trending mushroom which will also make it more likely that consumers searching the internet will find your product.
Now, to substantiate the claims you want to make, you’ll want to make sure that your mushroom material(s) of choice has sufficient studies behind it to validate its use in your formula. Perhaps most importantly, you want to make sure that you choose a reliable contract manufacturer with experience in producing mushroom supplements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it safe to take mushroom supplements every day?
Health-promoting mushrooms have an extensive history of safe and effective daily use. In many cases, that history of use extends over thousands of years. Of course, as with all dietary supplements, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional trained in the use of supplements before use if you’re taking medications and/or if you have a medical condition.
Q: How long does it take for mushroom supplements to work?
This varies depending on the mushroom used and the person taking it. But as a rule, it can take 4-12 weeks of use before seeing discernible differences.
Q: Is it safe to take mushroom supplements long-term?
Health-promoting mushrooms have an extensive history of safe and effective daily use. In many cases, that history of use extends over thousands of years. Of course, as with all dietary supplements, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional trained in the use of supplements before use if you’re taking medications and/or if you have a medical condition.
Q: What not to take with mushroom supplements?
There are no specific supplements that shouldn’t be taken with mushrooms. Check with your pharmacist regarding the use of mushrooms with pharmaceutical medications.
Q: Do mushroom supplements have side effects?
Any supplement may have side effects in any given individual. That being said, health- promoting mushrooms have an extensive history of safe and effective daily use.
Concluding Thoughts
Health-promoting mushrooms—including reishi, Lion’s mane, shiitake, Agaricus blazei, Cordyceps, and maitake—are extremely popular, and are projected to grow to $48.59 billion by 2029 with a CAGR of 8.44%.
Various benefits include immunomodulation, support for healthy triglyceride and cholesterol levels already within a normal range, joint health, cognitive function, promoting insulin sensitivity and support healthy insulin levels already within a normal range, enhancement for male sexual health, energy, liver health, providing antioxidant effects, healthy blood glucose levels already in a normal range, as well as ovarian and menstrual health in women.
With over 45 years of experience, Vitaquest possesses extensive knowledge about the health benefits of mushroom supplements and is known for being a best-in-class provider of supplement contract manufacturing, packaging design, and fulfillment services.
References
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